The Best SPF moisturisers for men to keep skin nourished and protected

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

• Skin type: Suitable for all, particularly mature
• Powered by: Ginkgo biloba, chlorella, micronised sunscreen, padina pavonica
• SPF protection: Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Fusing active ingredients with cutting-edge science, this reformulation of Elemis’ iconic and cult moisturiser has been created with an added SPF 30 built-in. Lightweight and non-greasy in texture, this ultra-protective anti-wrinkle day cream has been clinically-proven to significantly reduce lines in just 14 days. Helping restore suppleness, firmness and elasticity, it also treats and corrects uneven skin texture to encourage a more youthful-looking complexion. Ginkgo biloba counteracts free radical activity, protecting the skin from everyday stresses and shielding collagen from being broken down by oxidation and chlorella. Rich in peptides, amino acids and enzymes, it also helps slow down the deterioration of elastin and collagen, while padina pavonica, (a Mediterranean algae) visibly improves the appearance of fine lines.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, but particularly good for oily and sensitive
• Powered By: Niacinamide, next-generation sun-filters, vitamin E
• SPF Protection: SPF 50 UVA/UVB

The fact that this SPF 50 sunscreen is powered with skin-loving, hydrating and nourishing ingredients means that (in my experience) it also does a pretty good job as a lightweight moisturiser; ideal for those who sometimes skip using a hydrator in their morning grooming regimen. I have an oily complexion and found this particularly good. Powered with niacinamide, a soothing antioxidant that smoothes skin texture and strengthens the skin barrier, it actively regulates oil production and absorbs rapidly without leaving any white cast. I used it both on its own and with my regular moisturiser: on both occasions, my skin felt and looked healthier, brighter. I’ll be using this again.

• Skin type: All skin types
• Powered by: Vitamin C and E, as well as caffeine, carnitine, creatine
• SPF protection: SPF 40

Clinique’s latest and most-advanced fatigue-fighting moisturiser actively awakens, corrects and then defends your skin against the earliest signs of premature ageing. Its quickly absorbed cooling gel texture is oil-free and sweat and humidity-resistant, benefiting from a powerful SPF 40 sun protection filter to block UVA and UVB, as well as shielding against damage caused by blue light and infrared radiation. Enriched with antioxidants vitamin C and E as well as a youth-boosting blend of caffeine, carnitine (an amino acid that supplies energy) and creatine to help bring even the most tired-looking and lacklustre skin back to life, it additionally benefits from a patented moisture barrier complex, anchored with hyaluronic acid, that delivers round-the-clock rehydration.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, but particularly good for oily
• Powered By: Apple extract, plant-derived scalene, algae extract
• SPF Protection: SPF 50 UVA/UVB

This multi-functional 3-in-1 mineral SPF 50, moisturiser and serum hydrates, brightens and protects; essentially taking the faff out of getting ready in the morning. Made with radiance-boosting apple extract and smoothing plant-derived squalane, it also features a patented technology which is 2.45x more effective at protecting from free radicals and sheerer than traditional mineral SPF. When I first tried it I was a little put off by its peachy/pinky hue as I thought it would make my skin look a bit orange. I was, however, amazed to find that rather than tint my skin, it actually helped neutralise and minimise any white cast from the SPF. It also dries completely clear. Vegan and bendable across all skin-tones, it does take a while to settle in (15 minutes), so isn't a grab-and-go solution.

• Skin type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
• Powered by: Caffeine, chestnut extract, vitamin C and E
• SPF protection: SPF 19

Created for the man on the go, this facial recovery accelerator awakens and uplifts dull, fatigued skin, promoting a re-energised and revitalised appearance. Part of Kiehls' bestselling Facial Fuel line of high-performance skincare specifically dedicated to men, the unique formula helps improve a sleep-deprived or over-worked complexion. Enhanced with antioxidant vitamin C and moisturising vitamin E, it helps skin resist environmental aggressors with anti-pollution protection. Stimulating caffeine, a highly invigorating ingredient, enhances the appearance of damaged or dry skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Antioxidant-rich chestnut extract actively improves the barrier function to help restore skin lipids.

• Skin Type: Sensitive
• Powered By: Glycerin, micronised titanium dioxide, vitamin E
• SPF Protection: SPF 50+ UVA/UVB

This no-frills ‘gets the job done’ day cream is made with hydrating glycerin and vitamin E to lock-in skin’s essential moisture, and is a salvation for anyone who suffers with sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested, it's both gentle and non-irritating because it's a stripped back formula; only ingredients that have a specific job to do are allowed access. I put its claims to defend against the five signs of sensitivity to the test and was pleasantly surprised; it tackled my dryness, associated irritation, rough texture and tightness from the first application and helped to rebuild my weakened skin barrier after only a couple of weeks.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Powered By: Alpha lipoic acid, candeia tree extract, mineral-based sunscreen
• SPF Protection: Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Formulated with unique pigment-filled capsules that slowly release upon application, this lightweight and fast-absorbing tinted moisturiser infuses the skin with essential hydration to minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles and promotes a natural-looking radiant glow. Part of Dr Nicholas Perricone’s High Potency Classics range, the deeply nourishing lotion with powerful antioxidant benefits features a mineral-based SPF 30 protective sunscreen made from minerals found deep within the earth which are ground into ultra-fine powders that act like mirror to deflect ageing UVA and UVB rays, and is less irritating than traditional chemical sunscreens.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all types and tones
• Powered By: Vitamin C’’, hyaluronic acid, peptides
• SPF Protection: SPF 50+

This addition to Garnier’s popular SkinActive Vitamin C skin-brightening franchise is blessed with a very high protection SPF 50+ (UVA, UVB and long UVA) to actively prevent the formation of sun-induced dark spots. A daily fluid that can both be used as a replacement to your regular moisturiser or as a booster on top of your normal day cream, it's vegan-friendly and won’t block the pores. Dermatologically-tested to help all skin-types and tones, it also benefits from hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and peptides known to help smooth the skin’s surface layers. This particular variant is invisible, too, so won’t leave any white cast.

• Skin type: All skin types
• Powered by: Avocado oil, squalane, tocopheryl, sunflower seed oil
• SPF protection: SPF 30

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, Sensitif Renewal Cream by RéVive both shields and intensely hydrates the complexion with its blend of natural and lab-designed active ingredients. It also, of course, benefits from having a built-in SPF. Enriched with a proprietary Soothing Barrier Complex, it's an ultra-restorative moisturiser that also guards against a wide spectrum of other environmental aggressors. Free from any harsh ingredients and supported with avocado oil, squalane, tocopheryl, sunflower seed oil, ginger root extract, bisabolol and glycerin, it is soothing, calming and offers lasting comfort.

• Skin type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
• Powered by: Super-peptide blend, antioxidant blend, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, rice proteins
• SPF Protection: SPF 40

Marking the biggest cosmetic science innovation in No7’s history, the Future Renew skincare line is designed to reverse multiple signs of skin damage. A product of 15 years of research into skin ageing and repair, the collection is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. Its Damage Reversal SPF 40 Day Cream intensely moisturises for up to 72 hours and addresses issues with dryness and elasticity. Formulated with a world-first, super-peptide blend proven to harness the skin’s natural repair process, it effectively tricks the skin into thinking it has been damaged, leading to the renewal of key proteins such as collagen and fibrillin. Unlike retinoic acid, which can cause skin irritation and redness, the super-peptide blend is both potent and easily-tolerated. Enriched with an antioxidant blend, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C and rice proteins, it balances the benefits of both prevention and repair, leading to brighter and healthier looking skin after one week of regular usage.

• Skin type: All skin types, especially oily
• Powered by: Green tea extract, pro-vitamin B panthenol, tocopherol
• SPF protection: SPF 25

It’s safe to say that Aesop, founded in Australia, knows a thing or two about skincare — and is passionate about the importance of sun protection. Its Protective Facial Lotion with an SPF of 25, then, is a winner. Rapidly absorbed into the skin, it's light and satisfyingly non-sticky in texture (a common and unwelcome side effect when SPF is combined with a moisturising formula) and provides broad-spectrum defence from both UVA and UVB rays. Featuring green tea extract, pro-vitamin B panthenol and vitamin E-rich tocopherol among its most active ingredients, it rejuvenates and protects, leaving a matte finish: particularly good for those who suffer from oily skin.

• Skin type: Sensitive
• Powered by: Chamomile, vitamin E
• SPF Protection: SPF 15

Designed to tackle the five signs of skin irritation whilst protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, Nivea Men’s sensitive moisturiser gently safeguards against sun-induced premature skin ageing with an SPF of 15. From the #1 male skincare brand with over 30 years of expertise in skin sensitivity, it isn’t surprising that this formula performs at the top of its game. With a light texture that is fast-absorbing and non-greasy or sticky, it's enriched with soothing chamomile and vitamin E, and formulated without any ethyl alcohol, which can irritate sensitive skin, cause dryness, discomfort and disrupt the skin barrier. Moisturising for up to 24 hours and dermatologically approved, it encourages a healthy complexion that is radiant, nourished and smooth. You can count on it for instant relief from burning, redness, dryness, tightness and itching, too.

• Skin Type: Hypersensitive and redness-prone
• Powered By: A-bisabolol, zeolite, panthenol (provitamin B5), urea, shea butter
• SPF Protection: SPF 50 (5* rated) UVA/UVB

Designed for hypersensitive and redness-prone skin, this 3-in-1 formula instantly conceals and gently treats the visible signals of irritation. It also soothes, calms, protects and discourages further flare-ups in the long-term. To be used as either a tinted moisturiser, colour-correcting concealer or a primer, the vegan-friendly hydrator can also be used to top-up throughout the day. I tend to suffer with redness as I have both a very fair skin tone and am prone to sensitivity. I found this very clever treatment instantly camouflaged my inflamed areas with a unique micro-encapsulated technology that delivers ultra-fine colour pigments directly to the skin, masking any unevenness. Don’t be put off by the fact that it's green in colour (it certainly threw me) as this just helps to neutralise any redness.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, but best for dull and lacklustre
• Powered By: Niacinamide, dual-action vitamin C
• SPF Protection: SPF 30 UVA/UVB

Facetheory has been delivering sustainable, vegan and active-focused skincare for nearly 10 years and is celebrating its first decade with an overhauled website, new product packaging and collection categories that allow for a more intuitive routine building experience. Its hybrid day cream with SPF doubles down on its commitment to accessibly-priced yet powerful skincare; part of the brand’s ‘glow’ range which was developed to inject life into lacklustre complexions. Formulated to combat the dullness and hyperpigmentation caused by damaging daily aggressors, I actually found that it does a pretty good job at helping correct uneven skin tone, especially dark sun spots and discoloured patches. A lightweight whipped-texture with niacinamide and two different forms of vitamin C to brighten and hydrate, it's also ideally suited to darker skin tones who suffer disproportionately with hyperpigmentation.

• Skin type: All skin types
• Powered by: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
• SPF protection: SPF 30

Combining powerful protection with optimum hydration, the Aquagel SPF 30 moisturiser is a one-stop-shop for skin support and condenses four vital steps into a single product. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, it offers antioxidant defence from environmental stressors such as pollution. Deeply hydrating, sun protecting, and with an SPF 30 to prevent photo-ageing, it's also a smoothing base — particularly if you wear fake tan or foundation. It's powered with pure hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and re-plump skin with moisture, too. Non-greasy, fast-absorbing and tested and re-tested for its efficacy on sensitive skin, the lightweight transparent water/gel is both soothing and refreshing.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all battling midlife
• Powered By: L-Carnosine, ectoin, novoretin, photosomes-V, argireline amplified, aloe vera, vitamin E
• SPF Protection: SPF 50 PA++++

SPF is essential to our daily grooming regimen, especially if you use retinol-based products in the evening. This new and powerful daily moisturiser from the dermatologist team behind the personalised prescription skincare authority Skin + Me has been designed to enhance the results of the brand’s iconic overnight Serum-in-Cream. Aimed at mid-lifers (so me essentially) I found the hydrator instantly plumped my skin, gave it a smoother texture after about one week and soothed post- nightly retinol exposure. The formula harnesses the power of And Begin’s proprietary 1,2,3 Age Management System of core clinical ingredients to comprehensively protect against 1, UV, pollution, infra-red and visible light (including blue light). 2, cosmeceutical actives, to reverse the visible signs of DNA damage and glycation as well as stimulate collagen synthesis and 3, a soothing hydrating blend, to calm, intensely hydrate and protect the skin barrier.

• Skin Type: Suitable for most, especially dry or dehydrated
• Powered By: Hyaluronic acid, peptides
• SPF Protection: SPF 30

Touted as Gen Z’s favourite make-up brand, E.L.F (eyes, lips, face) has progressed from its original unique selling point of being one of the OGs of vegan-friendly colour cosmetics and is now a significant player in the animal and cruelty-free skincare arena too. Powered with hyaluronic acid and peptides, this daily moisturiser is essentially the brand’s holy grail face cream, but with an added layer of SPF protection. A lightweight and non-greasy daily fix, it's both nourishing and deeply-hydrating with a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and a fresh, clean scent. Encourages a bouncy, plumped look and is (obviously) vegan-friendly.

• Skin type: All skin types, especially those sensitive to the sun
• Powered by: Vitamins C, E, B3, paracress flower extract
• SPF protection: SPF 50

Supercharged with skin-brightening, anti-ageing and protective actives, as well as broad-spectrum defence against UVA and UVB rays, this multi-tasking solution serves as a sunscreen, moisturiser and anti-ageing treatment in one. Used as a daily moisturiser, it also shields from pollution, free radicals and environmental damage. While suited to all skin types, its very high protection SPF 50 and blend of six scientific sunscreens makes it an ideal choice for sensitive skin types that burn easily. Silky textured, free from parabens and artificial fragrance, and containing antioxidant shields to hold back oxidative stress, it also helps to correct the signs of past UV damage. It also contains vitamins C and E, niacinamide (vitamin B3) to stimulate collagen synthesis, paracress flower extract to improve firmness and lactic acid to gently exfoliate and prevents breakouts.

• Skin type: All skin types
• Powered by: Aloe vera, green tea
• SPF protection: SPF 15

Bulldog is a brand that proves you don't have to splash out big bucks to source decent men's grooming essentials. Using many of the same nine winning essential oils as its “Original” formula, including anti-inflammatory aloe vera and soothing green tea, the addition of a broad spectrum SPF 15 is what gives this moisturiser its “Protective” name, shielding from the sun's rays and making for an apt swap should you be planning any elongated outdoor activity.